09.15.17

Blighted site readied for new Waunakee Public Library

After years of planning, demolition at the former Waunakee Alloy site, 201 N. Madison St., in Waunakee, Wisconsin, will begin on Sept. 21 at an event for the press and community at 11:15 a.m. The demolition of the existing structures and safe remediation of the blighted site is the next step in the construction of the new Waunakee Public Library.

The new 40,000-square-foot public library will occupy the brownfield site adjacent to the village’s Main Street District. OPN’s conceptual designs for the new two-story library include exterior plazas that capitalize on the nearby creek, tree line, and downtown.

The vision for the new library — which evolved from multiple visioning sessions with library representatives, Village officials, and community members — is for an open, flexible design that contains an abundance of community space, collaborative areas, maker space, and meeting rooms. Using data and best practices gleaned from OPN’s portfolio of more than 40 public libraries, the design team refine the program to balance needs and wants within the Village’s budget.

A groundbreaking is planned spring 2018 with a tentative opening in summer 2019. Visit the library project webpage, to stay up-to-date on progress.